This is just a quick message to remind anybody who hasn’t yet tried the Windows 7 Release Candidate (and wants to), to go and download it now. You can get a copy here.
I’m reminding you because it has come to my attention that Microsoft may well potentially end download availability of the Windows 7 Release Candidate on June 30th, 2009.
From a Microsoft email I have received: “It will be available at least through June 30, 2009, with no limits on the number of downloads or product keys available.”
Yes, it does say “at least”, but that does mean that downloads could end on that day if Microsoft feel it is appropriate too.
Don’t worry if you have already downloaded a copy, as running the Windows 7 Release Candidate will not expire until June 1st, 2010. However, you will start receiving bi-hourly shutdowns from March 1st. But by then, Microsoft should have released the final version of Windows 7.
So yes, if you haven’t got a copy of the Windows 7 Release Candidate, get one now.
EDIT: False alarm, download will end on August 15th. After that you won’t be able to download the RC, but you will still be able to install it and obtain product keys.